From Agia Efimia: Day Cruise to Ithaki Island with Lunch

The best part of this day is not simply reaching Ithaca. It is the chance to spend the day on a small sailing yacht, stopping at quiet bays that are difficult to reach by land. You get long swims, calm water, a relaxed lunch, and plenty of time to enjoy the sea without the noise and crowds of a large excursion boat.

I especially like the limited group of 10 people, which makes the boat feel personal rather than packaged. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling gear, two paddleboards, onboard drinks, snacks, and a GoPro camera. The main drawback is the long sailing time at the start and end of the day, plus the fact that this trip is not suitable for anyone prone to seasickness or with mobility limitations.

Key points at a glance

• Small yacht, small group: The S/Y Venus carries up to 10 participants, with room under the awning and at the front of the boat.
• Three strong swim stops: Gidaki Beach, Skinos Bay, and Talaros Beach at Pera Pigadia offer clear water and time for swimming.
• Lunch served at anchor: You eat onboard at Skinos Bay, with local snacks, fruit, soft drinks, beer, and wine included.
• Useful water gear: Snorkels, paddleboards, and a GoPro camera are provided, so you can do more than sit on deck.
• Wildlife is possible: Dolphins, sea turtles, and migratory birds may appear, though sightings are not promised.
• Weather shapes the day: The captain may change the route to find safer and more pleasant swimming conditions.

Why this Ithaca cruise feels different

From Agia Efimia, you leave Kefalonia behind and head toward Ithaca’s eastern shore. The trip is built around time on the water, not a hurried checklist of sights. You spend roughly eight and a half hours with the sea, the boat, and the changing views of Ithaca’s coves.

That matters because many island boat trips pack too much into one day. Here, the main event is swimming in clear water and enjoying the quiet between stops. You are not being rushed ashore for a short photo break or pushed toward a noisy beach club.

The boat is the S/Y Venus, moored at the start of Agia Efimia’s picturesque harbor, in front of Dodoni Divine Ice Cream Cafe. The meeting time is 8:50 a.m. You should arrive ready for the day, with swimwear and a towel easy to reach. Shoes are not allowed inside, and large bags, oversize luggage, strollers, and baby carriages are not permitted.

The boat has a modern, comfortable feel, with sheltered seating under an awning and space at the front for those who want more sun and open views. Several people have found the space generous even when the boat is full, while smaller groups may have the yacht nearly to themselves.

Captain Evangelis, also written as Vangelis in some tour details, is a recurring name connected with the operation. The crew keeps the mood friendly and low-key, with regular drinks, food service, and help with the water equipment. English and Greek are spoken.

Sailing from Agia Efimia toward Gidaki Beach

The first part of the morning is a long sail toward Ithaca’s eastern shore. This is not dead time, but you should understand what you are buying. The day has three principal swimming stops, yet sailing between them takes a good share of the schedule.

The reward is the view. As you approach Ithaca, you see steep coastal slopes, pine-covered bays, and stretches of shore with no road access. This is one of the better ways to understand the island’s character. Ithaca is not only a destination of villages and harbors. From the sea, its coastline feels quiet, folded, and almost untouched in places.

If the sea is calm, the ride can be deeply relaxing. You can sit under the shade, talk with the small group, or find a place at the front of the yacht. If you are sensitive to motion, sit near the center of the boat, stay hydrated, and consider bringing any medication you normally use for seasickness. The experience specifically excludes people prone to seasickness and motion sickness, so this is not the right choice if boat travel regularly makes you unwell.

Gidaki Beach gives you the first long swim

Gidaki is the first major stop and one of the strongest reasons to book this trip. It is often considered one of Ithaca’s finest beaches, with turquoise blue-green water and a natural setting backed by thick vegetation.

The shore is pebbled rather than sandy. Larger stones are found on the western side, while the eastern side has smaller pebbles. Water shoes may be useful for comfort, though they are not listed as required equipment.

You get about 40 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. That is enough time for a proper swim, though not enough for a leisurely beach afternoon. The bay is open and suitable for swimming across from one side to the other, provided conditions are safe and you are comfortable in open water.

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a welcome drink and local snacks. The water is the main attraction here, so do not expect a cultural stop or a guided walk. Gidaki is about getting off the yacht, cooling down, and seeing the coast from water level.

The boat may also carry a GoPro camera. Ask the crew about using it rather than assuming you should handle it yourself. This is a useful extra for anyone who wants underwater or paddleboard footage without bringing their own camera.

Skinos Bay pairs lunch with another swim

After Gidaki, the boat heads to Skinos Bay, a pine-lined inlet on Ithaca’s eastern side. The setting is calmer and more enclosed, with trees reaching down toward the shore and clear water suited to another swim.

This is the longest stop, lasting about 70 minutes. Lunch is prepared and served onboard while the yacht is at anchor. You can expect snacks, fruit, a main meal, soft drinks, beer, and local wine as part of the day.

The food is described as simple, fresh, plentiful, and well organized. That is the right way to think about it. This is not a restaurant meal with a menu and table service. It is a practical boat lunch that keeps the day moving and gives you something satisfying between swims.

I like the way lunch is placed in the middle of the outing. You are not forced to leave the water for a crowded waterfront restaurant, and you do not lose time traveling ashore. You can eat, have a drink, and return to the water when you are ready.

The 70-minute stop also gives you more breathing room than the shorter swim at Gidaki. Use it for paddleboarding, snorkeling, or simply sitting under the awning. With two paddleboards available, you may need to share, especially on a full departure. Still, the small group keeps that arrangement manageable.

There is no loud music or speaker-driven entertainment listed for the trip. That suits the setting. If you want a peaceful day with conversation, sea sounds, and a few quiet coves, this cruise is a better fit than a party boat.

Pera Pigadia is the final swimming stop

The last selected swimming area is Talaros Beach in Pera Pigadia Bay, on Ithaca’s southern coast. The bay is described as calm, warm, and smooth, making it a pleasant final stop after lunch and the earlier swim.

You have about 40 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. By this point, the pace feels nicely balanced: one longer stop at Skinos Bay, with shorter water breaks before and after.

Pera Pigadia may appeal most to people who prefer gentle water rather than a more open, exposed bay. Conditions still depend on the day, but the captain chooses stops with the wind and sea state in mind. If weather changes, the route can be altered. That may mean missing one named location, but it is a sensible trade for safer swimming and a smoother ride.

The schedule calls these places selected spots rather than fixed guarantees. You should treat the route as a plan, not a promise. A good captain will choose the best available bay that day, even if it means changing the order or replacing a stop.

Wildlife sightings are a bonus, not a promise

Dolphins, sea turtles, and rare migratory birds may be seen from the boat. Dolphins have appeared during past outings, including near the coast of Kefalonia, but wildlife sightings depend entirely on luck and conditions.

Do not book this as a wildlife tour. Book it for the coastline, the swimming, and the small yacht. If a dolphin surfaces or a sea turtle appears, it becomes a memorable extra rather than the measure of whether the day succeeds.

The long open-water sections are the best time to watch. Keep your phone or camera nearby, but do not spend the whole crossing staring at a screen. The views of Ithaca’s eastern coast are worth your attention on their own.

What the $176 price includes

At $176 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Ithaca. The value comes from the number of inclusions and the limited group size.

Your price covers the cruise, skipper, Wi-Fi, lunch, snacks, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and a GoPro camera. You are not paying extra every time you want a drink or need a mask and snorkel. Hotel transfers are not included, so you must make your own way to Agia Efimia harbor.

The comparison is simple. A large boat may offer a lower headline price, but you may get more passengers, less personal attention, and less room in the water stops. A private charter can feel more exclusive, but costs much more per person. This cruise sits between the two: a semi-private outing with a cap of 10 people and the useful service of an experienced crew.

For a full day on the water with food, drinks, equipment, and three swim stops, I consider the price reasonable for visitors who value comfort and a quiet setting. It is less attractive if you mainly want a fast transfer to Ithaca or prefer to spend the day on land.

Who will enjoy this day most

This trip suits you if you:

• Want a peaceful boat day rather than loud music or a party atmosphere
• Prefer a small group to a large sightseeing vessel
• Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding
• Like the idea of lunch and drinks served without leaving the boat
• Are comfortable with a full day at sea
• Want to see remote parts of Ithaca that are difficult to reach by road

Families can enjoy the spacious boat and calm swim stops, as long as everyone is comfortable in the water and can manage the boarding arrangements. One family described the trip as well paced, with plenty of time for swimming and room for everyone onboard.

This is not a good fit for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or people with visual impairments. The trip is also a poor choice if you are prone to motion sickness. The boat has a relaxed pace, but it is still a full day on the sea.

Practical details before you book

The meeting point is the S/Y Venus, moored in front of Dodoni Divine Ice Cream Cafe at the beginning of Agia Efimia harbor. The listed meeting time is 8:50 a.m., with return to the harbor after 5 p.m.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Pack light, since large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed. Shoes are not permitted indoors, and baby strollers or carriages cannot come onboard.

At least 24 hours before departure, the crew needs each passenger’s full name, passport or ID number, nationality, and year of birth for the crew list. Have those details ready when you book.

The cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Availability and the exact start time should still be checked before booking.

Should you book the Ithaca sailing day?

Book it if your idea of a perfect Greek island day is a comfortable yacht, three beautiful swim stops, a good lunch, and a quiet group of fellow passengers. The small scale, friendly crew, plentiful refreshments, and access to remote bays are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Think twice if you dislike open-water travel, need firm access arrangements, or want a detailed land tour of Ithaca. The island is the setting, but the sea is the real experience.

For most swimmers and relaxed boat lovers based near Agia Efimia, this is a strong use of a holiday day. You get the coast, the water, the food, and the freedom to slow down, all without the packed feeling of a large cruise.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The S/Y Venus is moored in front of Dodoni Divine Ice Cream Cafe at the beginning of Agia Efimia harbor.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about 8.5 hours. The boat returns to Agia Efimia after 5 p.m.

How many people can join the cruise?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

What beaches and bays are visited?

The planned stops include Gidaki Beach, Skinos Bay, and Talaros Beach in Pera Pigadia Bay. The captain may change the route according to wind and sea conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard at Skinos Bay, along with snacks and fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and welcome refreshments are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the cruise price.

Can I use a paddleboard?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboards are available during the swimming stops.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Large bags, oversize luggage, strollers, and baby carriages are not permitted.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility limitations?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people with visual impairments. It is also not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.